Document feeding apparatus

ABSTRACT

Document feeding apparatus of the type wherein documents are fed forward from a supply station to a work station and returned to the supply station for either removal or a second cycle, the apparatus incorporating a movable catch tray for holding the documents at the supply station; a separator cooperable with the catch tray to maintain documents returning to the supply station segregated from other documents awaiting feeding, at least until the supply of other documents is used up; and a doorlike cover adapted to overlay the catch tray, and incorporating means to facilitate proper positioning of the returning documents in the catch tray.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Anthony Howard Rochester, N.Y. [21] Appl. No. 824,803 [22] Filed May 15,1969 [45] Patented Feb. 23, 1971 [73] Assignee Xerox Corporation Rochester, N.Y.

[54] DOCUMENT FEEDING APPARATUS 10 Claims, 3 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 271/4, 271/61, 271/86 [51] Int. Cl B65h 1/02, B65h 31/26 [50] Field ofSearch 271/61, 86, 4, 5, 3, 6, 7, 24

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,062,531 11/1962 Clarke 271/4 3,083,960 4/1963 Coronado et a1. 27 l/44X 3,499,710 3/1970 Sahley 335/64 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,128,295 10/1962 Germany 355/106 Primary Examiner-Even C. Blunk Assistant Examiner-Joseph Wegbreit Attorney-Paul M. Enlow, Norman E. Schrader, James J. Ralabate, Ronald Zibelli and Frederick E. McMullen ABSTRACT: Document feeding apparatus of the type wherein documents are fed forward from a supply station to a work station and returned to the supply station for either removal or a second cycle, the apparatus incorporating a movable catch tray for holding the documents at the supply station; a separator cooperable with the catch tray to maintain documents returning to the supply station segregated from other documents awaiting feeding, at least until the supply of other documents is used up; and a doorlike cover adapted to overlay the catch tray, and incorporating means to facilitate proper positioning of the returning documents in the catch tray.

PAIENIED H82 319?:

SHEEI 1 UF 2 INVENTOR. ANTHONY HOWARD ATTORNEY DOCUMENT FEEDING APPARATUS This invention relates to a document feeding apparatus, and more particularly, to a means for holding the supply of documents for the document feeding apparatus.

platen 6 on which documents being copied rest. As will be un- As copying or reproduction machines become faster and more sophisticated,.the physical work devolving upon the user may increase rather than decrease as is intended. By modern standards, the user should no longer be required to constantly load and unload the items such as documents, papers, etc. that are being copied, or to unload, gather, or sort the copies produced by the machine. However, the problems inherent in accomplishing automatically and with reliability that which has been done manually, as for example, the repeated loading and unloading of documents on the machine platen in a sequence designed to provide the desired number of copies in a selected order, are substantial. The documents, papers, etc. themselves, because of their relative thinness and flexibility and propensity to rip or tear are 'difficultto handle rapidly in automatic fashion with the precision and dispatch required.

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a new and improved document feeding apparatus.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for holding documents for use by a reproduction machine with documents awaiting copying segregated from those already copied.v

It is a further object of the present inventionto provide ,a

document catch tray for documents of various sizes incorporating means to automatically align documents in the tray with one another. V

It is an object of the present invention to providean improved supply tray for a document feeding apparatusineorporating means for guiding returning documents to the tray.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a document feeding mechanism incorporating means to neutralize static electrical charges on the documents. a

It is an object of the present invention to provide a document feeding means incorporating a document-supply tray with means to settle and align returning documents in the tray for refeeding.

This invention relates to an apparatus for supplying documents to a reproduction machine, comprising in combination, transport means for feeding documents to and returning documents from the reproduction machine; means'for supporting documents for use by the reproduction machine, the document supporting means including a tray for holding both documents to be fed to the machine and documents returned from the machine; the transport means including a primary transport adjacent the mouth of the tray adapted to feed ,docu- .ments forward singly from the tray to the machine; means interposable between documents returned to the tray and the primary transport to prevent unintended refeeding of returned documents by the primary transport, the interposing means being removable to permit refeeding of returned documents in the tray; and cover means adapted to overlay the tray; the cover means cooperating with the tray to reposition returning documents in the tray so that on removing of the document interposing means, the remmed documents may be fed forward to the machine by the primary transport.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the ensuring description and drawings in which: i

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the document feeding apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the supporting tray and cover for the document feeding apparatus of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the control system for the document feeding apparatus of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown the document feeding-apparatus, designated generally by the numeral 10, of the present invention. For purposes of explanation, document feeding apparatus 10 is shown with a xerographic type document copying or reproduction machine 5 having a transparent derstood, the document feeding apparatus may be used with other types of copying machines, or other apparatus requiring a flow of sheetlike materials, such as documents,

papers, and the like thereto.

Document feeding apparatus 10 includes a document supply station 12 from where documents to be copied are carried forward one at a time by primaryfeed roll 14 into the nip of document limiting rolls 16, '17 which serve to prevent passage of more than one document at a time. Documents emerging from limiting rolls 16, 17, are-carried forward by intermediate transport rolls '18, 19 underneath curved document, guide fingers 21 to platen transport 20. Transport 20, which may comprise a belt type conveyor, carries the document onto platen 6 and into desired copying position.

When copying is completed, platen transport 20 may be reversed to carry the document backwards off platen 6. Guide 3 fingers 21, the leading end 21' of which normally rests in depressions 25 in curved guide 33, deflect or guide the return ing document upwardly into the nip of first return transport rolls 22, 23. Rolls 22, 23 carry the document between suitable return guides 26 into the nip of second return transport rolls 27, 28 which carry the documentinto a catch tray 30. As will appear, tray 30 serves to collect and hold the returning documents for either'refeeding or removal.

To maintain returning documents, which have been designated for convenience by the numeral'8, segregated from documents 7 awaiting feeding, and prevent inadvertent refeeding of returningdocuments 8 by primary feed roll 14 following feed of the last one of the origi'rialdocuments 7, a displaceable bail or separator bar 32 is: provided. Bail '32 is disposed substantially opposite to and aboveprimary feed roll l4.and is arranged to prevent documents resting thereon from contacting roll 14'. As will appear, bail 32 is moved out from under documents8 resting thereon when it is desired-to feed the documents to the reproduction machine 5.

A detailed description of the. construction and operation of limiting rolls 16, 17, intermediate transport rolls 18, 19, platen transport 20, and return transport roll pairs 22, 23, and '27, 28

may be found in applicants copending application Ser. No. 782,790 filed Dec. 4, 1968.

Document supply station 12 has a substantially 'flat downwardly inclinedbase 31 supported by frame 36.from reproduction machine 5. The curvedguide 33 leads to platen -6, which in the arrangement shown is substantially horizontal.

Suitableopenings such as 29 are provided in base 31 and in guide 33 to accommodate feed rolls 14, 16, andl8.

The,terminal portion, 24 of document guide fingers 21 extends backwardly and curves downwardly in overlaying relationship to guide 33, the bottom of fingers 21 includingterminal portion 24 thereof cooperating with the curved guide 33 to turn the upwardly moving documents onto the substantially horizontal platen 6.

Bail 32 is supportedfrom rockable cross-shaft 35 by side members 37. Shaft '35is suitably joumaled in frame 36, base 31 being apertured at 39 to permit disposition of members 37 therethrough. A suitable operating mechanism suchas solenoid 38 is provided to turn cross-shaft 35 and raise bail 32 out from under documents 8restingthereupon. When solenoid 38 is deenergized, bail 32 drops back onto the topmost document.

Other arrangementsfor raising bail 32, such as a driving clutch, may be contemplated. It may be further appreciated that suitable spring means may be provided to bias bail 32 downwardly to hold any documents thereunder in pressure contact with primary feed roll 14.

As best seen in FIG. 2, tray 30 is comprised of matching right and left-hand. members or receptacles 41, 4.1 respectively. Receptacles 41, 4,1 are arranged in facing relationship to one another and journaled at their lower ends on shaft 42. Shaft 42 is journaled for rotation on frame 36 adjacent the bottom of base 31. As-will appear, receptacles 41, 4.1 and shaft 42 are capable of limited rotational movement relative to one another.

Receptacles 41, 41', which are substantially U-shaped in cross section each include a base 44, a top 45 spaced thereabove and sides 46. The opposing edges 47 of bases 44 may be cut away at the upper end thereof to accommodate primary feed roll 14. The opposing edges 48 of the top 45 of each receptacle 41, 41' may be beveled outwardly to facilitate handling of documents by the user particularly the loading and unloading thereof.

As best seen in FIG. 1 of the drawings, the bottom of each receptacles 41, 41' is comprises of a springlike part 50. Spring 50 includes a curved segment 51 which flares into top 45 and a substantially flat bottom segment 52 intersecting the receptacle base 44.

A resilient material such as foam 57 is disposed between spring segment 52 and the lower frame 58 of receptacles 41, 41'. The curved spring segments 51 serve to slow or brake documents returning to tray 30 while the resilient backed bottom segment 52 serves to further absorb document velocity and to jog and align the lower edges of the returning documents with one another.

Sides 46 of receptacles 41, 41 are preferably flared outwardly at 46' adjacent the top thereof to provide a slightly enlarged entrance facilitating entry of returning documents into tray 30. The relatively narrower sides 46 therebelow aid in aligning the document side edges with one another.

Receptacles 41, 41 are arranged for lateral adjusting movement along shaft 42 toward and away from one another to accommodate various size documents. Suitable detent means, for example spring biased ball members (not shown), cooperate with recesses 54 in shaft 42 to maintain receptacles 41, 41 in adjusted position. Torsion springs 56 bias receptacles 41, 41' toward base 31 (in the counterclockwise direction as seen in FIG. 1), it being understood that contact between base 31 and the bottom of receptacles 41, 41' limits inward movement of receptacles 41, 41' toward base 31.

To guide returning documents into the tray 30 as well as prevent documents from falling out of tray 30, particularly when bail 32 is raised, a cover 60 is provided. Cover 60 is secured to shaft 42 to enable cover 60 to be opened for access to document tray 30 as when loading or unloading documents.

Cover 60 includes an exterior wall 62, which may be suitable decorated and depending integral sides 65. A hollow interior guide 64 is suitably secured to wall 62 within the confines of sides 65 thereof. As best seen in FIG. 2, guide 64, which projects inwardly toward tray 30 and base 31 when cover 60 is closed, has a substantially triangular shaped lower portion 67 corresponding to the triangular like area defined by the outwardly beveled edges 48 of the receptacle tops 45 and generally rectangular upper area 68 corresponding to the rectangular space between the entrance or mouth of tray 30 (formed by receptacles 41, 41') and the point where returning documents are discharged from rolls 27, 28 and guides 26 toward tray 30. The wall-like surface of the interior guide 64 is substantially flush with the receptacle tops 45 when cover 60 is closed, guide 64 serving to guide the returning documents into tray 30 as will appear.

A pair of detent and stop members 70 depend from the exterior wall 62 of cover 60 adjacent the opposite sides thereof into suitable slotted stops 71 appended to the sides of frame 36. The terminal ends 73 of stop members 70 are at right angles and cooperate with stops 71 to limit maximum opening movement of cover 60. Members 70 include a dimpled segment 74 cooperable with stops 71 to releasably limit opening movement of cover 60 to a partially opened position designed to permit the user to service the feeding apparatus without disrupting the document order as will appear. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, members 70 comprise any suitable spring material.

Referring particularly to FIG. 1, a radially projecting tang 63 is provided on shaft 42 opposite the receptacle lower frame 58. Preferably, the receptacle frames 58 have a protruding lug 58' opposite tangs 63. Tangs 63 are arranged so that, following predetermined movement of cover 60 in an opening direction with attendant rotation of shaft 42 in a clockwise direction, tangs 63 engage lugs 58' to drive tray 30 (receptacles 41, 41) in an opening direction in unison with cover 60 against the bias of springs 56. Preferably, tangs 63 are disposed to engage lugs 58' whenevercover 60 is opened beyond the intermediate open position as detennined by the position of dimpled segments 74 in stop members 70.

Referring particularly to FIG. 3, a suitable operating circuit 75 is provided for solenoid 38. A photocell 78 may be supported on bail 32 to sense the presence of documents therebelow, the light source 79 for photocell 78 being supported underneath base 31. A suitable aperture 80 is provided in base 31 above light 79. As will appear, the signal from photocell 78 on feed of the last document from under bail 32 triggers circuit 75 to momentarily actuate solenoid 38 and raise bail 32 out from below any documents such as returned documents 8 resting thereon, bail 32 dropping back down atop the topmost document upon subsequent deenergization of solenoid 38. At the same time, a signal from photocell 78 readies timer 81 for operation.

Timer 81 comprises any suitable circuit adapted, in a predetermined interval following triggering, to trigger circuit 75 and momentarily energize solenoid 38 to move bail 32 onto the topmost document as described heretofore. Copy machine 5 includes suitable circuitry adapted when copying of the last document is completed to trigger timer 81. Following a predetermined interval adequate for the last document to reach tray 30, timer 81 triggers circuit 75 to reset bail 32. Other circuitry of copy machine 5 may be arranged to trigger circuit 75 at start up of the copycycle to assure that bail is atop the topmost document in tray 3 at startup of the copying cycle.

To enable documents to be loaded or unloaded in tray 30 without interference by bail 32, a switch operator 76 for solenoid circuit 75 is disposed on base 31 adjacent one of stop members 70. On opening of cover 60 to the document loading and unloading position, the terminal end 73 of the associated stop member 70 actuates switch 76 to energize solenoid 38 and raise bail 32 out of the way.

According to preferred construction of the present invention, the hollow guide 64 cooperates with the inside surface of the exterior wall 62 of cover 60 to form a suitable plenum or air chamber 85. Chamber 85 communicates with a suitable source of low pressure air (not shown). A series of ports 86 are provided in guide 64 through which'the pressure air in plenum 85 discharges outwardly toward the surface of the returning documents passing thereunder. As can be understood, the streams of air emitted from ports 86 impinge on the returning documents as the documents pass under guide 64 into tray 30, the air aiding in the routing of documents into tray 30 and serving to settle the returning documents in tray 30.

To obviate any buildup of static electricity on the documents, a suitable ion generator 88 is supported on cover 60 upstream of tray 30. Generator 88, which is connected to a suitable source of electrical energy (not shown), is arranged to ionize the air through which the documents returning to tray 30 pass to neutralize any static electric charges on the documents. It is understood that such static charges often occur simply from the moving of documents. By passing the documents through the space proximate generator 88, static electrical charges on the documents are substantially eliminated.

Where it is desired to load or unload one or more documents, cover 60 is opened fully to the position determined by ends 73 of stop members 70. As cover 60 moves past the intermediate position determined by dimpled segments 74 of stop members 70, tangs 63 on shaft 42 engage lugs 58' to swing tray 30 outwardly with cover 60. Preferably, the components of feeding apparatus 10 are arranged so that opening of cover 60 to a fully opened position moves tray 30 to a substantially vertical position as shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings to facilitate loading and unloading of documents in tray 30. With opening of cover 60, switch 76 triggers solenoid 38 to hold bail 32 raised.

shaft 42, springs 56 swing tray 30 downwardly about shaft 42 onto base 31 to bring the lowermost-document in tray 30into On startup of the reproduction machine 5, primary feed roll l4, document limiting rolls'l6, 17, intermediate transport rolls l8, l9, and platen transport 20 operate to carry the lowermost document in tray 30 forward onto platen 6 where the document may be copied. On completion of the copy cycle, platen transport 20 is reversed to carry the document backwards off platen 6. Guide fingers 21 intercept the leaving document to route the document into the nip of first-return transport rolls 22, 23 which, in cooperation with return guides 26 and second return transport rolls 27, 28, carry the document back toward tray 30. It may be understood mawnu one document is being copied or returned to tray 30, rolls '14, l6, l7 and l8, 19 may be operated to bring the next document forward.

As each returning document 8 leaves rolls 27, 28, the cover guide 64 and the air streams emitted from ports 86 therein assure that the document enters tray 30. As the document speeds into tray 30, thelower or leading edge thereof contacts curved spring segment 51 to initially deaccelerate the document, the subsequent abutment of the document lower edge with spring segment 52 bringing the document to a stop without damage or tearing of the document. The resiliency of the segment 52 serves to jog the returning documents and together with sides 46 of tray 30 align the returning documents with one another for subsequent refeeding. At the same time, the streams of air emitted from ports 86 settle the returning documents in tray 30, the forward end of the returned documents 8 resting atop bail 32 and out of operative contact with primary feed roll 14.

n feed of the last document '7 from under bail 32, the

signal from photocell 78 triggers circuit. 75 to momentarily actuate solenoid 38 and raise bail 32 out from below the stack of returned documents 8 then in tray 30. At the same time, the signal from photocell 78 readies timer 8l'for operation.

Following copying of the last document, a signal from reproduction machine triggers timer'8l,-and following a delay sufficient to enable the last document to be returned to tray 30, timer 81 momentarily triggers circuit 75 to actuate solenoid 38 and place bail 32 atopthe jcompletedstack of returned documents. The document feeding apparatus may now be recycled where additional copies of the documents are desired.

Where the copy cycle or cycles are completed, cover 60 may be fully opened as described heretofore and tray 30 unloaded. It is understood that openingof cover 60 actuates solenoid 38 to raise bail 32 out of the way.

In the event of .a system malfunction, as for example, a document jam, cover 60 may be partially opened to the position corresponding to dimpled segments 74 of stop members 70. At this position, servicing may be done without the resetting of bail 32 and consequent disruption of the document copy order.

Where desired, the aforedescribed pressure air system may be omitted and the interior guide64 of cover 60 only relied upon to guide the returning documents into tray '30. In that circumstance, one or more springlike fingers (not shown) may be envisioned depending from guide 64 to aid in the settling of I claim:

1. in an apparatus for supplying documents to a reproduction machine, the machine including transport means for feeding documents to and returning documents from said reproduction machine, the combination of:

means for supporting documentsfor use by said reproduction machine, said document supporting means including a tray for holding both documents to be fed to said machine and documents returned from said machine;

said transport means including a primary transport adjacent the mouth of said tray adapted to feed documents forward singly from said tray to said machine;

means interposable between documents returned to said tray and said primary transport to prevent unintended refeeding of returned documents by said primary transport, said interposing means being removable to permit refeeding of returned documents in said tray;and

cover means adapted to overlay said tray, said cover means cooperating with said tray to reposition returning documents in said tray so that on removing of said document interposing means, said returned documents may be fed forward to said machine by said primary transport.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which said document supporting means includes an inclined base;

means for supporting said cover means for swinging movement about the lower side of said base to enable said cover means to be swung outwardly and permit loading or unloading of documents in said tray; and

means to limit opening movement of said cover means to a predetermined document loading and unloading position.

,3. The apparatus according to claim 2 including means supporting said tray for swinging movement about an axis substantially coaxial with that of said cover means whereby said tray may be swung outwardly on opening of said cover means to facilitate loading or unloading of documents in said tray.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3 including lost motion drive means interconnecting said cover means with said tray operable following partial opening of said cover means to drivingly connect said tray with said .cover means so that continued opening of said cover means to said predetermined document loading and unloading position swings said tray outwardly therewith.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4 including means biasing said tray in an inward closing direction whereby on closing of said cover means, said biasing m'eans swings said cover inwardly toward said base to bring documents in said 'tray into operative relationship with said primary transport.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 including means adapted on opening of said cover means to remove said document interposing means to facilitate loading or unloading of documents in said tray.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which said tray is comprised of a pair of substantially identical shelflike members arranged in facing relationship to one another, the sides of said members adjacent the mouth of said tray being beveled outwardly to facilitate return of documents into said tray, said members being arranged for lateral movement toward and away from one another to enable the size of said tray to be adjusted; and detent means to releasably maintain said tray members in adjusted position.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 including means to direct low pressure air against documents returning to said tray whereby to guide returning documents into said tray.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8 in which said cover means includes a plenum chamber forming a roof over documents returning to said tray when said cover means is closed; said pressure air directing means comprising openings in said plenum chamber roof.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 including means adapted to electrically neutralize static electric charges on said returning documents.

33 3? UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE (II'IR'IIFICA'PE 0F CORRECTION PHLGflK Nu. 315650420 Dated March 22, 1.971

Inventor) Anthony Howard It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

IN THE CLAIMS:

Claim 5, line 3, change "cover" (second occurrence) to --tray-- Signed and aeeled this 6th day of July 1971.

(SEAL) Atteat:

EDWARD M.FLETOHER,JR. WILLIAM E. SCHUYLER, JR. Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. In an apparatus for supplying documents to a reproduction machine, the machine including transport means for feeding documents to and returning documents from said reproduction machine, the combination of: means for supporting documents for use by said reproduction machine, said document supporting means including a tray for holding both documents to be fed to said machine and documents returned from said machine; said transport means including a primary transport adjacent the mouth of said tray adapted to feed documents forward singly from said tray to said machine; means interposable between documents returned to said tray and said primary transport to prevent unintended refeeding of returned documents by said primary transport, said interposing means being removable to permit refeeding of returned documents in said tray; and cover means adapted to overlay said tray, said cover means cooperating with said tray to reposition returning documents in said tray so that on removing of said document interposing means, said returned documents may be fed forward to said machine by said primary transport.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which said document supporting means includes an inclined base; means for supporting said cover means for swinging movement about the lower side of said base to enable said cover means to be swung outwardly and permit loading or unloading of documents in said tray; and means to limit opening movement of said cover means to a predetermined document loading and unloading position.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2 including means supporting said tray for swinging movement about an axis substantially coaxial with that of said cover means whereby said tray may be swung outwardly on opening of said cover means to facilitate loading or unloading of documents in said tray.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3 including lost motion drive means interconnecting said cover means with said tray operable following partial opening of said cover means to drivingly connect said tray with said cover means so that continued opening of said cover means to said pRedetermined document loading and unloading position swings said tray outwardly therewith.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 4 including means biasing said tray in an inward closing direction whereby on closing of said cover means, said biasing means swings said cover inwardly toward said base to bring documents in said tray into operative relationship with said primary transport.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1 including means adapted on opening of said cover means to remove said document interposing means to facilitate loading or unloading of documents in said tray.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which said tray is comprised of a pair of substantially identical shelflike members arranged in facing relationship to one another, the sides of said members adjacent the mouth of said tray being beveled outwardly to facilitate return of documents into said tray, said members being arranged for lateral movement toward and away from one another to enable the size of said tray to be adjusted; and detent means to releasably maintain said tray members in adjusted position.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1 including means to direct low pressure air against documents returning to said tray whereby to guide returning documents into said tray.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 8 in which said cover means includes a plenum chamber forming a roof over documents returning to said tray when said cover means is closed; said pressure air directing means comprising openings in said plenum chamber roof.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1 including means adapted to electrically neutralize static electric charges on said returning documents. 